The Chocolate Eruption Cake is a dessert that lives up to its name rich layers of chocolate sponge hide a molten center that flows like lava when sliced. Paired with a scoop of creamy ice cream, it transforms into a hot and cold indulgence that feels both playful and luxurious.
Every bite delivers contrast: warm, gooey chocolate against the cool sweetness of ice cream. It’s the kind of show-stopping treat that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration, perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own.
What is a Chocolate Eruption Cake?
A Chocolate Eruption Cake is a decadent dessert designed to surprise with every slice. Beneath its rich chocolate layers lies a molten or mousse like filling that flows outward, creating the dramatic “eruption” effect that gives the cake its name.
This indulgent treat is often paired with toppings like ganache, whipped cream, or ice cream to balance the warm, gooey center with cool, creamy textures. It’s a show stopping cake that combines visual flair with irresistible flavor.
Tools You Need to Make Chocolate Eruption Cake
Having the right tools makes the process smoother and ensures your cake erupts with rich chocolate perfection.
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Small saucepan (for ganache)
- Wire cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop (for serving)
With these essentials, you’ll be ready to create a dessert that looks dramatic yet feels effortless in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
This cake is built to surprise simple ingredients come together to create a molten center that erupts with rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Every ingredient plays its part flour for structure, cocoa for depth, and cream for the eruption of silky ganache that makes this dessert unforgettable.
How to Make Chocolate Eruption Cake at Home
This cake is all about drama and flavor simple steps lead to a molten center that erupts with rich chocolate when served warm.
- Prepare the oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- Mix the dry base – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients – Beat in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in hot water last; the batter will be thin.
- Bake the cake – Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool slightly.
- Create the eruption – Prepare ganache by pouring hot cream over chocolate chips. Cut a small well in the cake’s center, fill with ganache, and let it flow outward. Serve warm with ice cream.
The magic of this recipe is in the contrast warm, flowing chocolate paired with cool, creamy ice cream makes every bite unforgettable.
Personalization & Tips
This cake is versatile small tweaks can make it feel brand new every time you bake it.
- Flavor Twist – Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a deeper chocolate kick.
- Nutty Surprise – Fold in chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch inside the eruption.
- Fruit Fusion – Serve with raspberries, strawberries, or cherries to balance the richness.
- Spice It Up – A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder adds warmth and intrigue.
- Ice Cream Pairing – Try salted caramel, pistachio, or mint ice cream instead of vanilla.
- Mini Versions – Bake in ramekins for individual molten cakes that erupt on each plate.
- Decorative Touch – Dust with cocoa powder or drizzle with white chocolate for contrast.
These small adjustments let you make the Chocolate Eruption Cake your own whether you want elegance, fun, or a bold flavor twist, the possibilities erupt endlessly.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands used.
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 6g
This dessert is rich and indulgent best enjoyed as a special treat, especially when paired with a scoop of creamy ice cream.

Chocolate Eruption Cake with Ice Cream
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Small saucepan (for ganache)
- Wire cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- Mix the dry base – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients – Beat in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in hot water last; the batter will be thin.
- Bake the cake – Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool slightly.
- Create the eruption – Prepare ganache by pouring hot cream over chocolate chips. Cut a small well in the cake’s center, fill with ganache, and let it flow outward. Serve warm with ice cream.